Hope For Today

Dear Friends, I get a thrill every time I see a rainbow, as much now as an adult as I did when I was a child and noticed a rainbow. I just can't help it, it fills me with joy and wonder, and an "Oh wow!" escapes my lips.  There's something so special about a rainbow, with it's colours and perfectly created arc shape in the sky.  My family and I were travelling home having spent a lovely weekend with my sister and her family.  It was late Monday morning following one of the biggest storms we have experienced for some years.  The worst of the storm was over, but the sky was still overcast, it was cold, windy and at times there was heavy rain. Then, in the midst of this, the sun came out from behind the clouds and a beautiful rainbow appeared.  We could see it from one end of the bow to the other.  I'm so glad I was awake to see it (often the motion of the car ride sends me off to sleep!)   It was back in the time of a man call...

Dear Friends, I find so much encouragement in the following verses: Isaiah 41:9-10 “I took you from the ends of the earth from its farthest corners I called you.   I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.   I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God is calling each one of us into a relationship with him (v9).   More than anything he wants us to enjoy a relationship with him.   Not only does he call us to him, he also places a call on our lives – something he has created you for that only you can do.   I’ve known his call on my life for some years now and it brings me so much enjoyment and fulfilment.   Having said that, I don’t always find it easy and sometimes I get discouraged (v10a), sometimes I succumb to negative feelings and thoughts, I can begin to compare myself wi...